Kiplagat, Jemeli star at Iten Kanu Marathon

KCB-KANU MARATHON.
Evan Kiplagat celebrates after crossing the winning line during Iten 42 kilometers Marathon race sponsored by Kenya Commercial Bank, Kanu and Medi Hill Hospital in Elgeyo Marathon County yesterday.05.07.2015. Pictures By Peter Ochieng.Caption

Evans Kiplagat and Pamela Jemeli were yesterday crowned the men and women’s winners of the inaugural Iten 42km marathon in Elgeyo Marakwet County.

Kiplagat, fresh from wining silver in the Prague marathon in May, triumphed in 2:15: 42 ahead of Collins Tanui and Samuel Kalalel who returned in 2:16:31 and 2:16: 37 respectively.

Speaking to FeverPitch after the race, the 2014-15 Prague Marathon silver medalist said: “It was not an easy race but I had made thorough preparations.”

Kiplagat said he was using the race to gauge his timing ahead of the Standard Chartered marathon later in the year.

The race that was sponsored by former ruling party Kanu, attracted participants from Elgeyo Marakwet and neighbouring counties.

Jemeli won in the women’s category after clocking 2:45:04 to be crowned the queen of the 42-kilometre event. She was followed closely by Mercy Jemutai, Edna Kwambai and Gladys Kibiwott who clocked 2:45:41, 2:46:06 and 2:47:56 respectively.

 “I thank God for the victory, it will open up opportunities for me in the international races,” said Jemeli who holds a bronze medal from the 2009 Waswa marathon in Poland.

The 26-year-old from Iten, who emerged second in the Kass marathon, is optimistic of winning upcoming major races.

In the 21-kilometre race, Stephen Chebogut won the men’s category after clocking 1:05:59. Josphat Kiprop followed closely after he timed 1.06.01 Kenneth Keter came in the third in 1.06.02 followed by Philip Cheruiyot who clocked 1.06.10.

In the 21 km women’s category, Florence Jepkosgei clocked 1.16.44 to beat the 2010 world half marathon bronze medallist Pascallia Jepkorir who timed 1.18.39 to emerge the second. 

“It was a hard race. The sun was so punishing. I am however, happy for winning such a competitive race,” Jepkosgei, said. Susan Kosgei and Beatrice Cherop finished third and fourth after timing 1.20.51 and 1.21.16 respectively.

Kanu Secretary General Nick Salat, who participated in the men’s marathon said the party organised the race in line with its plan to celebrate its 55-year anniversary.
“The race was difficult but it was for a good cause, Kanu is meant to lead by example and this is a strong message to other parties,” he said. Winners in the full marathon were awarded Sh500,000. Other top ten finishers we